Driving distances from Santo Domingo: (times are more or less depending on traffic, road conditions and other obstacles)

to Boca Chica (31km) about 35 minutes

La Romana (110km) about 2 hours

Punta Cana (205km) about 31/2 hours

Samaná (245km) about 31/2 hours

Puerto Plata (215km) about 3.15 hours

Barahona (200km) about 3 hours and a half

Santiago (166km) about 3 hours

For a few more transportation ideas, taxi services and tourist transportations go to our tourist aides page here..

Emergency telephone numbers on Duarte Highway. This is the main highway from Santo Domingo to Santiago. This highway is in good shape but can be very dangerous traveling. There are roads entering and exiting the highway.

from Kilometer 9 to Villa Altagracia

809-315-6820

from Villa Altagracia to Piedra Blanca

809-315-6821

from Piedra Blanca to Bonao

809 315-6822

from Bonao to La Vega

809 315-6823

from La Vega to Santiago

809 315-6824

There are people, animals, and people or animals trying to cross when you do not expect. There are people selling on the sides of the road. There are houses along the highway and also in the grassy strip in the center of the highway. Always be aware when traveling this highway. If you do have any problems take these numbers with you to call for fast help.

Air transportation across the island is aprox.$65USD (2006 -These prices are just an average)

*Takeoff Destination Service S.A., Plaza Brisas de Bavaro Local # 08

Offering flights from Punta Cana to and from Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Samaná. Offering sightseeing tours, shuttle service, flight school, Air signs and much more.

*Air Century Flies out of Herrera Airport and La Romana/ Casa de Campo Airport.They have sightseeing tours, charters, and more. Contact: 809-566-0888 or 809-567-6778

*Air Santo Domingo Contact:809-683-8020

*Jimmy and Irene Butler of Air Taxi Flies out of Herrera Airport, Núñez de Cáceres 2 and Santo Domingo. They offer charter planes around the island and to some neighboring islands Contact: 809-227-8333 or 809-567-1555

Caribar Flies out of Herrera Airport, Av. Luperon and Santo Domingo. They offer ambulance service, photography trips and general air service from both helicopters and planes Contact: 809-542-6688

The Ports of Santo Domingo is a development located on both banks of the mouth of the Ozama River/ Rio Ozama. It is part of a major waterfront redevelopment plan to integrate the ports with Colonial Zone creating a great destination for cruise ships, yachts and high-end tourism.

The Sans Souci terminal is able to handle a large number of passengers and crews and is also able to accommodate some of today's largest ships. It includes duty-free stores, check-in facilities and pier access. The terminal has a ground level for baggage handling and disembarking. On the Mezzanine level there are Duty Free Stores, an Internet Center, information stand, bathrooms and a great view of Sans Soucí's ground level, the river, sea, and the Colonial City. The second has a footbridge that crosses all the building and has the gangway to get on or leave the ships. There is ample parking for visitors, long term parking and for busses and taxis alike. It is the homeport of the Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas.

+click image to enlarge

Once the naval base has been relocated to Boca Chica there will be more development with a third, larger terminal. There will also be a yacht club, sports marina, convention center, shopping mall, luxury and boutique hotels, apartment buildings, commercial plaza, office towers, restaurants, an amphitheater for concerts for a few thousand people, and a pedestrian walkway across the Ozama River.This development will go from the floating bridge and incorporate the terminal as well. Target completion date is sometime in 2010.

Location: The Sans Souci port/ Terminal Turística San Souci is on the other side of the river on Avenida Espana and is about a 45 minute walk from Colonial Zone. There are taxis available for fast, easy and safe transportation until the walkway across the Ozama River is complete.

The Don Diego Terminal, located on the same side of the river as the Colonial Zone, has two cruise reception areas. The first has an information booth, Internet and calling center, and a currency exchange booth. The other wing has duty-free shopping outlets.

Location: The Don Diego port is directly across from the end of Calle el Conde. Cross Calle las Damas, go down the stairs and cross the highway.

Puerto de Santo Domingo, the Ferry from Puerto Rico docks at this port. This is also where all the cargo and container ships have to stop. The office of Aduanas (Tax Office) is located here as well. There is a pedestrian bridge where you can cross the busy Malecon - Avenida George Washington safely.

(bottom) The front of the port and the pedestrian walkway over the Malecon

American Cruise Ferries provides ferry service between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico (San Juan and Mayaquez). They make three 12 hour (249 miles to San Juan and 182 miles to Mayaquez) trips a week departing from Santo Domingo on Thursdays, Sundays and Tuesdays at 7PM. The ferry arrives in Puerto Rico at 8am. The Cruise liner/ Ferry can carry 1,100 passengers, 165 containers, and 70 vehicles. The seven story ship offers cabins for an extra fee. On board is a casino, nightclub, piano bar, restaurants, duty free store, swimming pool, video games and more.

Horse and Buggy Rides are a great way to see the Colonial Zone and Malecon area of the capital city, Santo Domingo. The buggies are painted, each with an original painting by well known Dominican artists. Arrange the price before the ride. The driver can give you a little history during the trip. Most drivers are very informative and nice people. You can ask them to make little stops along the way for refreshments. This is a fun and can also be used as a romantic way to woo your mate. A must try for all visitors.